Washington, United States. The following is a selection of major events that occurred on March 18, including political developments, wartime decisions, and milestones in science and culture.
Assassination in Greece
In 1913, King George I of Greece was assassinated at Salonika.
Hitler and Mussolini meeting
In 1940, German leader Adolf Hitler and Italian leader Benito Mussolini met at the Brenner Pass in the Alps and agreed that Italy should enter World War Two within months alongside Nazi Germany.
First space walk
In 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made the first space walk.
Torrey Canyon oil spill
In 1967, the oil tanker Torrey Canyon was wrecked off England’s Cornish coast, spilling 919,000 barrels of oil.
Pele and the Pope
In 1978, football legend Pele met Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.
Taiwan presidential election
In 2000, Taiwan voters elected Chen Shui-bian, leader of a pro-independence party, as president, ending more than five decades of Nationalist Party rule.
Death of John Phillips
In 2001, John Phillips, songwriter and founder member of the Californian pop group The Mamas and the Papas, died.
Death of Bob Woolmer
In 2007, Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer died after being found unconscious in his hotel room the morning after his side’s shock World Cup exit.
Death of Anthony Minghella
In 2008, British film director Anthony Minghella, who won an Oscar for “The English Patient”, died.
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